Archive for the ‘My Ex Dog’ Category

Leo, It has been almost 3 years since you left my apt. in Argentina. I remember how scared you were when we were downstairs, waiting for your new owner to come and take you away. I prayed that he wouldn’t come, that he would change his mind. You protected Lauchita and me. You slept with us on our small bed. We were a little family, but it was for your own good. I gave you up as if you were my child and not my dog. I will never forget you or stop loving you. Tia

Leo had a good heart—a great heart. He was a little bit rough around the edges, but there was no doubt—the dog could feel and feel deeply. He slept with Lauchita and me as if he were protecting us. Leo has been gone from my life for almost 3 years now, but he will never leave me. The 4 months and a week that he was my dog were hectic, but I loved him. I still love him.

Now that he has been dead for over 18 months, I fully realize that Chiquito was not only an aristocratic dog; he was
also the ideal dog for me. Chiquito did not have to be taken for a walk first thing in the morning. He could wait until
noon. He knew the best places, the most beautiful homes, and we enjoyed them together. I was myself with him.
That I already knew, but I know it now even more. And he waited patiently outside the pasta store and the bakery
when we went to do our errands. Rubio was loyal and protective, Leo had a big heart, and Chiquito and I should
have had more time together.

I miss my dogs. I miss Rubio—Rubio, the star German Shepherd, the loyal companion par excellence. Rubio was a dog that should have lived forever. Leo was the dog I had to give up for his own good. Leo was my protector but we had terrible neighbors and they made life very difficult for us. Chiquito—the Pekingese with the soul of an aristocrat. Chiquito, who was a connoisseur of what was beautiful and expensive. Then there was Otranto, my friend Nadia’s older dog. He and I understood each other with just one look. I didn’t even have to say a word—he knew. Niebla, Otranto’s half brother, was such a finicky eater that caviar would not have been good enough for him. They are gone now and I will not forget them. Each brought something to my life that was unique and not to be repeated again.

I will always miss Leo. He was a little rough around the edges but he had a good heart, almost as good a heart as Rubio. And he slept with Lauchita and me—that I will never forget or cease to be grateful for that protective gesture. Leo must have thought that as long as he did not leave his home, he would never lose it. That’s why he never wanted to go out on walks. Once he left the protection of his home, he must have believed he would never be taken back there. A home meant so much to him—and a family that would never betray him by dumping him in the park again.